Variable stride exercise device

Abstract

The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.

1. An exercise device comprising:
 a frame; 
 at least one swing link pivotally connected with the frame; 
 at least one crank arm pivotally connected with the frame and configured to rotate about a crank axis; 
 at least one foot link pivotally connected with the at least one swing link, the at least one foot link including a foot engaging portion; 
 at least one variable stride link operatively connected with the at one foot link and pivotally connected with the at least one crank arm; 
 at least one guide link pivotally connected with the at least one foot link and operably connected with the frame; and 
 the at least one variable stride link, the at least one crank arm, the at least one guide link and the at least one foot link are configured such that a travel path of the foot engaging portion as the at least one crank arm rotates about the crank axis is dynamically adjustable by a user changing the user's stride length. 
 
     
     
       2. The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second swing link pivotally connected with the frame; 
 a second crank arm pivotally connected with the frame and configured to rotate about the crank axis; 
 a second foot link pivotally connected with the at least one swing link, the second foot link including a second foot engaging portion; 
 a second guide link pivotally connected with the second foot link and operably connected with the frame; and 
 the second variable stride link, the second crank arm, the second guide link and the second foot link are configured such that a travel path of the second foot engaging portion as the second crank arm rotates about the crank axis is dynamically adjustable by a user changing the user's stride length. 
 
     
     
       3. The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes at least one rail, and the at least one guide link includes at least one guide roller adapted to engage the at least one rail. 
     
     
       4. The exercise device of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one rail is flat. 
     
     
       5. The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one lever arm connected with the at least one swing link. 
     
     
       6. An exercise device comprising:
 a frame; 
 at least one swing link pivotally connected with the frame; 
 at least one crank arm pivotally connected with the frame and configured to rotate about a crank axis; 
 at least one foot link pivotally connected with the at least one swing link; 
 at least one variable stride link including a first end portion and a second end portion distal the first end portion, the at least one crank arm pivotally connected with the at least one variable stride link at the first end portion of the at least one variable stride link; 
 at least one guide link pivotally connected with the at least one foot link and operably connected with the frame; 
 the at least one variable stride link operatively connected with at least one foot link by pivotally connecting the at least one variable stride link with the at least one guide link at the second end portion of the at least one variable stride link; and 
 the at least one variable stride link pivots relative to the at least one crank arm about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the crank axis. 
 
     
     
       7. The exercise device of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a second swing link pivotally connected with the frame; 
 a second crank arm pivotally connected with the frame and configured to rotate about the crank axis; 
 a second foot link pivotally connected with the at least one swing link; 
 a second guide link pivotally connected with the second foot link and operably connected with the frame; and 
 a second variable stride link pivotally connected with the second guide link and the second crank arm to allow relative movement between the second foot link and the second crank arm. 
 
     
     
       8. The exercise device of  claim 6 , wherein the frame includes at least one rail, and wherein the at least one guide link includes at least one guide roller adapted to engage the at least one rail. 
     
     
       9. The exercise device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one rail is flat. 
     
     
       10. The exercise device of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one lever arm connected with the at least one swing link. 
     
     
       11. The exercise device of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 the frame defining a front portion and a rear portion; 
 the at least one swing link pivotally connected with the front portion of the frame; and 
 the crank axis supported at the front portion of the frame. 
 
     
     
       12. The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one variable stride link provides an ability to vary a travel path of the at least one foot link as the at least one crank arm rotates about the crank axis. 
     
     
       13. The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein the frame includes at least one rail, and wherein the at least one guide link includes at least one guide roller adapted to engage the at least one rail.